tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56836416653345036682018-03-05T20:14:50.847-08:00Bonnie's BlurbsLIVING LIFE TO THE FULLESTBBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-16246865799931529502014-02-22T14:43:00.001-08:002014-02-22T14:43:14.473-08:00NEXT CHAPTERTime to sort and plan as the snow kept us home bound for a few days; then a rush-rush to make up the lost days. Got my haircut a week later; had a blood test delayed for 4 days (hate it when you fast for no reason!), and got the supermarket to re-stock items for the pantry.<br /><br />Meantime, I wasn't getting any closer to having a buffing wheel-workbench; nor was the triangle-paper-piecing project proceeding very quickly.<br /><br />Facing me in the next few weeks are two major intrusions on my work. First the builder of this fine villa did not install the floors properly so when the ordered flooring arrives my dining room and studio will have the furniture moved out to replace gaping, warping boards. Will be glad to have a level floor without cracks but wish the replacement work was not needed.<br /><br />Second, after a year of not using a screened-porch we have decided to remodel the villa enclosing the porch and converting about 140+ sq. ft. to a reading-lounge-breakfast room where DH can read the NYTimes, sip coffee and catch the latest CNN news. The demolition work will be done outside but eventually a tripartite-glass-sliding door will be removed from the kitchen wall allowing for a big archway passage directly to the kitchen. Work is scheduled to begin March 3 but may or may not coincide with the floor repairs that are dependent on delivery.<br /><br />Such is my life now; planning what to start, what to pack and how much can I cut and pack to take to the Center's Art Room to sew there while work progresses here. I'm in a total fuss.<br /><br />Meantime, I made a major purchase. After stewing for more than a week I finally got the nerve to visit the Habitat ReStore to look at used cabinets for the garage. Since DH does not want my double 6" grinder/buffing wheel on HIS workbench - I bought a cabinet section that I think will work fine and will fit into a cleared space. &nbsp;That space got cleared as soon as I got home this morning (first sweeping sand out of the garage), and situating it near an outlet. &nbsp;AND also bought a counter top or rather a fragment of a top that is solid, heavy granite just 2 " wider than the cabinet for a convenient overhang.<br /><br />Tomorrow I practice in the pool and rest some but come MONDAY, I pick up the items at the shop and begin setting up my polishing - buffing wheel for working on silverware and other jewelry pieces. Very thrilled about the prospects. &nbsp;Stay tuned, . . . . .<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-41069035266282154362014-02-13T16:03:00.003-08:002014-02-13T16:04:09.913-08:00Snow, Snow, Go AwayThe first snow storm of January 29 was beautiful, white, frosty and glistening. Two weeks later it's not so beautiful, white or glistening. It's a mess. &nbsp;Two storms covering the end of January and mid-February and I'm done with winter. The vernal equinox comes on March 21st and not soon enough.<br /><br />Sometimes I envy Wanda Hansen of the "Exuberant Color" blog; she can sew and quilt for hours at a time and posts nearly every day. Like me she's an older woman, passionate about quilting but she is widowed and shoveling her own sidewalk. Yes, the Mister can sometimes be contrary and difficult but I think I will keep him a while longer.<br /><br />Everything was closed today and the notice that UNC Wellness will be closed all day tomorrow has just arrived. That means I will not be having swim practice (missing Tue/Thur/ Fri,), and if I miss another practice then having a lesson on Monday will be pointless. My teacher, Ms. M.W. is home with her two daughters because all public schools are closed today.<br /><br />We got through dinner last night with rotisserie chicken, a casserole dish of sweet potatoes-carrots-prunes with dried cranberries and pineapple bits to season. The mister had purchased a pound cake flavored Almond-Vanilla. The flavoring was so fake even I couldn't eat it (?), That's bad. The club dining room is still closed for all but assisted living and the health clinic. My freezer is now serving a good purpose. If the sun begins to shine tomorrow for the melt-down, maybe we'll have dinner in the Club Dining room (first since Tuesday).<br /><br />This morning I cut into the Vanilla Bundt cake that I bought and it's wonderful; been trying not to eat it all day. Dinner tonight will be chicken soup made from the leftover rotisserie chicken, chopped carrots, celery and napa cabbage served with added peas over yolk-less egg noodles. Mister does not like yolk-less noodles but he is not making the soup.<br /><br />Roads are a mess but maybe by later tomorrow he can get out and about (why?) and get some fresh air. Meantime I am sewing, sewing and more sewing and my back is beginning to ache. Will need some activity tomorrow to get the joints moving again. <br /><br /><i>What am I sewing on you ask?</i> &nbsp;Did I actually say I would make a table runner for a holiday celebration next December? I'm sewing triangles into a six-pointed star and have discovered I have a dinstinct dislike for geometry; especially triangles. Matching the points is maddening and trying to get an even star shape while making scrappy triangles for the surround and background is not working. &nbsp;Got a sample made today with the help of DH's copy/fax machine BUT tomorrow will try for another layout. This one is not good. The only thing I would like less is making five-pointed stars instead of six, but hey, who's counting?<br /><br />Thing is I always thought I was really good at geometry; but this is a challenge greater than I anticipated. And to make matters worse, it is <u>paper-piecing</u>. That means that even if the pattern does make up nicely you STILL have to tear off lots of tiny pieces of paper from the back before you can quilt or finish the project. Bummer. Maybe it is the paper I dislike and not the triangles? &nbsp;Or maybe both?<br /><br />Step-Daughter JWK just called with news of a second job interview tomorrow. Go Girl - kick ass and take no prisoners! You must go where the opportunities lie. Makes me grateful that my own business career is over and done with. Except for getting old (?), there are some good things about life in retirement. &nbsp;Be back another day…..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-9747529572100543912014-01-29T10:21:00.003-08:002014-01-29T10:21:45.241-08:00SNOW DAY in NC<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"Timing is Everything" &nbsp;&nbsp;</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KqCVZgCT70/Uuk9SKzrDgI/AAAAAAAABdQ/S4WAqEPJi6k/s1600/140129_3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KqCVZgCT70/Uuk9SKzrDgI/AAAAAAAABdQ/S4WAqEPJi6k/s1600/140129_3110.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow in the yard</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That may be the most valuable thing I write today. &nbsp;Was I vetching last week about being so tired? &nbsp;If ever we needed soup, today's the day. We had the first snow of the season last night waking up to a yard covered in snow.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry Minnesota, North Carolina does not relish snow the way northern sportsmen do.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still, considering Atlanta's situation we are cozy and comfortable.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Somehow my feelings of pressure and overachieving dissipated this morning when realizing that I had no where to go and could work on whatever seemed right I have been knocking off items on the list one after the other. &nbsp;</div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kz2NHp_HgM/UulDFL7hqjI/AAAAAAAABdo/6oVsOl0qRbY/s1600/QUILTpackingSHIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kz2NHp_HgM/UulDFL7hqjI/AAAAAAAABdo/6oVsOl0qRbY/s1600/QUILTpackingSHIP.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The baby quilt is done; just sewed the hanging sleeve on the back and already have a label and box ready to pack.<br /><br />The next item will be a letter to tiny Peyton E. R. to enclose with the quilt. &nbsp;And of course, congratulations to Androm and Patrick.<br /><br />It feels so good to finally be done. &nbsp;There are mixed emotions as I hate to give it up but I want the parents to enjoy the work with their newborn. <br /><br /><br />Following the quilt packing will be the hanging sleeve on the back of my free-motion quilted yoga mat that is going to the Club Center's Art Gallery for hanging on Saturday.<br /><br /><br /><br />Art Gallery director called me for any creations that could be displayed for the next four months and since my pool practice is taking up ALL my time, the mat will not be useful until the summer months. &nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYXop5TE-5A/Uuk9jqmfYLI/AAAAAAAABdY/cxF4Xc8nQ94/s1600/140129_3118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYXop5TE-5A/Uuk9jqmfYLI/AAAAAAAABdY/cxF4Xc8nQ94/s1600/140129_3118.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonky, scrappy Log Cabins</td></tr></tbody></table><br />What's next on the agenda?<br /><br />Perhaps I'm getting in over my head but DH and I have a concert date in two weeks where we will "Demo" a few dance steps as accompaniment to a band concert.<br /><br />DH is nervous. So am I; I'm writing the narrative to reference the songs to be played while I give a <u>brief</u> description of the dance.<br /><br />Brief anything is difficult for me - especially talking about dance. ??? &nbsp;stay tuned.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-1093621749660286722014-01-25T08:12:00.003-08:002014-01-25T08:18:19.292-08:00WHY AM I SO TIRED?To answer that question we have to back up to Wednesday after OLLI class when I shopped for root vegetables and other foodstuffs to keep us during the local &nbsp;'freeze.' &nbsp;At home soaking on the counter was a big bag of white beans and a ham bone was thawing out in the fridge. You know what comes next.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eih5rPeKmMU/UuPbQoKehwI/AAAAAAAABcU/LxoDYr70vPU/s1600/140122_3091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eih5rPeKmMU/UuPbQoKehwI/AAAAAAAABcU/LxoDYr70vPU/s1600/140122_3091.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>But there was little time for veggie prepping Wednesday after &nbsp;pool &nbsp;practice. Daily swims are taking up much of my energy even tho I'm told active physical exertion will boost your energy. Wanna bet? <br /><br />By that evening I had the carrots, celery, turnips, parsnips grated and ready for soup, the rutabaga par-cooked and my stash of caramelized onions was keeping cool. Thursday morning I managed to make not one but TWO batches of bean soup. <br /><br />Batch ONE: &nbsp;Chunks of ham, white beans and assorted vegetables, lots of onion and seasonings. Due to limited stove top space this batch went into a large stockpot and into the oven to cook, simmer really for about six hours.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6twqPMMxnPs/UuPbPa-egnI/AAAAAAAABcM/1gUFwBeMlJw/s1600/140122_3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6twqPMMxnPs/UuPbPa-egnI/AAAAAAAABcM/1gUFwBeMlJw/s1600/140122_3090.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Batch TWO: &nbsp;The purpose of this batch was to consume all the leftovers in the freezer making space for the new soups. To bits and pieces of chicken, ham, breakfast sausage and turkey kielbasa I added red, white and black beans, a can of died tomatoes and veggies as in the above. All of this went into the large crock-pot to cook on the countertop for six-plus hours. Double the trouble and double the fun, right?<br /><br />The result is 5 containers of mixed-bean soup and after an overnight in the garage (temperature below 30 degrees), the ham and bean soup is warming again for a couple more hours of simmering and then storing. Freezer space is already allocated; IF DH stays out of it.<br /><br />AND then there is more news. &nbsp;My cousin who was expecting a February baby, it being the designated receiver of the quilt I have been working on since summer; that baby arrived in January.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyrlqAi48sw/UuPbRdLVD6I/AAAAAAAABcc/mgWiE1SEgUQ/s1600/140125_3085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyrlqAi48sw/UuPbRdLVD6I/AAAAAAAABcc/mgWiE1SEgUQ/s1600/140125_3085.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />Got a Facebook message on Thursday without many details as to when, time, weight, etc. &nbsp;Except Baby Peyton is a boy and the posted pictures are fabulous. Tiny, wrinkled and sleeping (temporarily), baby and mother look beautiful.<br /><br />SO-O-o-o I've got to get busy, have side hems basted but must complete four corners, add some top-stitching to the border areas and check over for bumps + blips. Thinking I had plenty of time (what was I thinking?), the project is now top priority. Right behind the soup pot.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyIH1BTsfcs/UuPbchrx7RI/AAAAAAAABck/yYboSt57rro/s1600/140125_3086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyIH1BTsfcs/UuPbchrx7RI/AAAAAAAABck/yYboSt57rro/s1600/140125_3086.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Once it gets boxed and shipped you won't see it again. Here's my latest progress. &nbsp;Doing all the top-quilting on my machine I'm rather excited that it turned out so well. <br /><br />That's 'well' for now, with a little more practice I'll be quilting like a pro. &nbsp;All those tips from Leah's Day blog helped a lot; as did buying the Isacord all polyester thread. Cut down on a lot of thread breakage and frustration.<br /><br />So why am I so tired? &nbsp;Oh yes, must have been dinner last night with a couple of Meadows friends (?). Or not?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TES424ArLlU/UuPbdHFDQrI/AAAAAAAABco/eHV-pQZrYD0/s1600/140125_3087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TES424ArLlU/UuPbdHFDQrI/AAAAAAAABco/eHV-pQZrYD0/s1600/140125_3087.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RU3aUYaPd-4/UuPbfP7I22I/AAAAAAAABc0/I4_rdXt8ces/s1600/140125_3088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RU3aUYaPd-4/UuPbfP7I22I/AAAAAAAABc0/I4_rdXt8ces/s1600/140125_3088.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjffFsCxut0/UuPbiW0RT1I/AAAAAAAABc8/mNBURSeLpTA/s1600/140125_3089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjffFsCxut0/UuPbiW0RT1I/AAAAAAAABc8/mNBURSeLpTA/s1600/140125_3089.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-42161495934807711742014-01-17T12:37:00.001-08:002014-01-17T12:37:24.978-08:00MEGA BUSY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What have I been doing? What besides swim practice every morning, &nbsp;OLLI class on Wednesdays, fixing dinner and doing laundry. Shopping of course, the weather has been mild and it is my chance to get out.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look at my newest toy: &nbsp;<b>Sears Kenmore Sewing Machine </b>Model 158.140, circa 1965. &nbsp;Have not named her yet but I need a sexy name. Why a old cheap sewing machine when I have two others that are perfectly fine? &nbsp;Cannot use the Flynn Frame for machine quilting because my Bernina is stuck in the sewing table and the top does not accommodate the frame. Cannot use my Featherweight because the feed dogs do not drop (?) AND cannot use the old Singer in the Club Art Room because the feed dogs do not drop or that one either!!!! &nbsp;SO-O-O-O to make a long story shorter (maybe), found a mechanical Kenmore at the thrift shop and jumped on it. For sure the feed dogs drop and I can turn it sideways to accommodate the frame but it is very heavy. Why do they call them 'portables' when you can hardly lift them?&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">EXCEPT it does not have a bobbin case (bobbins look just like the Bernina bobbins), and only later did I discover that it uses 'cams' to make decorative stitches. Not that I need those. At any rate after spending a long time online and finding Sears parts for old Kenmore machines, I ordered a replacement bobbin case, bobbins and (why not?), Kenmore needles. Expect to be up and running by this time next week.&nbsp;</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgMtlDfKIdc/UtmQLh8v-wI/AAAAAAAABbw/M9pGzcBav4o/s1600/140116_2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgMtlDfKIdc/UtmQLh8v-wI/AAAAAAAABbw/M9pGzcBav4o/s1600/140116_2942.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What to call her?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrYslPY-eKU/UtmQTyBhDZI/AAAAAAAABb4/iubd7v88d1o/s1600/140116_2951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrYslPY-eKU/UtmQTyBhDZI/AAAAAAAABb4/iubd7v88d1o/s1600/140116_2951.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>Had fun looking her over and testing the parts that work but life must be addressed at some time. Back to the kitchen (sometimes I forget where it is?), to start dinner. We've having the leftovers from Honey Ham's BBQ Rib Rack because the Mister thinks they are the best and a side of California Citrus Salad, the classic made with orange, blood orange, red onion, celery tops and Poppyseed dressing. It took me years to figure out the logic to this sweet/sour salad until I realized that in order to quell the red onion you need the citrus to cancel the onion (so your breath will not smell!). Plus I really like the poppy seed dressing but what else could you use it for?<br /><br />Off to practice ballroom dance in a few minutes IF the Mister agrees to get out of old, faded, ragged jeans and put on something respectable. Or maybe not?<br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-37087034145391694712014-01-12T08:41:00.002-08:002014-01-12T08:41:20.493-08:00TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT? Have you ever been 'dis-invited' to a dinner party? <br /><br />We were this week and I'll admit to being somewhat relieved. In our new neighborhood there has been a move to form dinner groups for Sunday evenings when the Club dining hall is closed. Once a month, responding to a 'Paperless Post' invitation a select committee assigns respondents to a host/house. We were assigned to Host-Most-Chef who submitted a menu from hell. Now the Mister got excited because it meant a social evening of dining with neighbors and meeting new people; except he doesn't do the cooking. My idea of a social evening is that the host offers a loosely defined menu and the guests bring a pot-luck-style dish that may or may not be totally authentic cuisine. That was not Host-Most-Chef's idea, the recipes submitted included a soup, meat dish with a roux-based sauce, potatoes, side cabbage dish and dessert with ice cream (Germanic-style dinner). The problem is I no longer eat dairy, roux based anything is not for me, no ice cream and I did not know what the soup might contain; what to offer? We offered to take salad greens for a simple vinaigrette dressing IF the Chef could use soy-based butter-substitute and we would take a non-dairy frozen vegan-ice-cream. <br /><br />After DH objected to my mis-managing, after a few terse e-mails and modifying recipes to reduce calories, saturated fats and carbs; we were asked to decline the dinner. DH hasn't recovered yet. Not really appreciating the label "Pit Bull" of dining that HMC assigned to me, I am not really sorry. There was a down side but also an upside. Namely I went shopping to look for vegan products in the local market and did some Internet searching to learn more. And I found a lot.<br /><br />First item to replace was cream and not being a fan of those powdered coffee creamers I queried Google about cream substitutes (<i>or else just not make cream-based dishes??</i>). First I found a product never before seen, the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mimiccreme.com/">Mimic Creme</a>&nbsp;product that got rave reviews. Except: <b>Mimic Creme </b>is no longer available for retail distribution (?). <i>Why? </i>Perhaps the FDA has more information.<br /><br />Undaunted I looked on and found that<b> Silk Soy</b> (same as Silk Soy Vanilla milk), now markets a creamer <a href="http://silk.com/products?category=136">SilkSoy Creamer</a>&nbsp;that works for me. Richer than the vanilla milk (240 calories vs. 100 calories/cup), the creamer has a silky taste and would work for cream in most instances. Plus it comes in three flavors but so far I have only tasted Original. How long as this been going on or perhaps Harris Teeter just picked it up? Great addition to my morning non-caffeine, cafe-latte with non-dairy creamer.&nbsp;<i>Maybe I am going to the extreme?</i><br /><br />Continuing with the search for butter replacements, coconut oils were considered. Found a curious package of <b>Kelapo Baking Sticks</b> on the market shelf and began to wonder about cooking with coconut. My experience with coconut milk was an underlying coconut taste (my preference - vanilla), besides the health news about coconut oil remains divided. Googling&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kelapo.com/store/cart.php">Kelapo</a>&nbsp;to search their products &nbsp;the web site addressed my main concern: coconut or olive oil? <br /><br /><ul><li><span style="background-color: #fef0da; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; line-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #444444;">The question must be answered, which is healthier for me: olive oil or coconut oil cooking? Well the answer isn’t clear cut. Both coconut oil and olive oil contain 120 calories per tablespoon. All of the calories in both oils come from fats. Neither of the oils contain trans fat or cholesterol. The one glaring difference is the saturated vs unsaturated fat contents. Saturated fat was once considered bad for you but research is now being conducted to suggest that plant-based saturated fats, like coconut oil, may not have the same negative effects of animal based saturated fats, like butter.&nbsp;</span></span></li></ul><br />So I picked up a tub of&nbsp;<b>Earth Balance</b>&nbsp;brand 'buttery' spread to try and I also picked up a carton of&nbsp;<b>Earth Balance's&nbsp;</b>'organic coconut spread' prepared for baking and cooking. I have been a fan of <i>I Can't Believe It's Not Butter</i> brand. Reading the label you will find that ICBINB does contain a small amount of whey derivatives but very little. Eating buttered toast has been gone from my daily diet for a long time so the whey issue is not major but I will try a new brand to assess flavor. &nbsp;Now I will compare at least three butter-replacement products.<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Did you know that movie-theater popcorn used coconut oil w/beta carotene added to simulate butter-flavor? Just another interesting fact found in the Kelapo FAQs.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><br />After swim practice this morning I realized how blessed I am for&nbsp;<b>a</b>) not cooking for an over-indulgent dinner party menu; and <b>b</b>) gathered more nutritional info and have new products to taste and test. Still there is DH to contend with; he's a bit grumpy and disappointed but his cholesterol test will thank me.<br /><br />Finally the last word is about the social need to mix and find friends being confused with giving yourself a pass to pig-out on heavy dinners because 'everyone else' is doing so. Personal dietary concerns are not about being the obstinate dinner guest but about feeling good and enjoying a healthy lifestyle. The confusion begins when pressure to conform increases -why should I drink too much and overeat just to relax with friends and expand our social network? If your social life depends on under cutting your health, maybe there's something wrong with this picture. <br />That's just my thought for the day……..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-57136909848979275022014-01-07T14:58:00.002-08:002014-01-07T14:58:54.691-08:0010 Minutes to DinnerThe last quart of frozen white bean -ham soup from a year ago is warming for dinner as I write. Looked in the supermarket for a cornbread mix - remember Jiffy mixes? &nbsp;They had Blueberry Muffin mix, pie crust mix and yellow cake mix. No cornbread mix anywhere so I settled for a carton of four corn muffins that will have to do but they are FAR from cornbread. <br /><br />Wanted to break cornbread in the bowl ad top with the hot soup. These muffins are much too soft and mushy for that - we'll just toast them and eat on the side. Bummer.<br /><br />Not much of a day; the morning temp was 9 degrees when I woke up; DH would not let me leave the house for swim practice so I made a batch of egg salad and then began chopping everything in the fridge until I had a big freezer bag full of vegetables and seasoning to make - what else? Soup!<br /><br />By afternoon it warmed to 31 degrees and I headed for the pool after lunch finding very few people there. Apparently I am not the only one reticent about facing the wind-chill factor. &nbsp;Thank Gawd this is not Minneapolis!!<br /><br />Heading to Honey Ham shop tomorrow to buy a bone and then more soup making gets underway. &nbsp;Meantime we'll have the last bowl of the old soup tonight and by the weekend we can begin a whole new pot. &nbsp; Stay tuned. . . .BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-32571719796926636832014-01-05T10:25:00.000-08:002014-01-05T10:26:57.156-08:00JANUARY COOLNever fails, right after New Year's the weather begins to play havoc. Thankfully NC is below the Mason-Dixon line and we're far from the worst of it BUT it's cold outside. &nbsp;When I left for pool practice this morning it was 19 degrees.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHrZcKyl6P4/UsmbwsEjckI/AAAAAAAABaM/psyY3s7Yv2Y/s1600/PINEAPPLE+jan2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHrZcKyl6P4/UsmbwsEjckI/AAAAAAAABaM/psyY3s7Yv2Y/s200/PINEAPPLE+jan2014.jpg" width="200" /></a>Got a question from J.K. yesterday about my on going trials with growing pineapples. "Had I ever had one grow to produce a small fruit?" &nbsp;Ha, I wish. &nbsp;My understanding is that pineapple plants take three years to produce a fruit and to date none of my trials have lasted that long. &nbsp;Either winter cold, non-nurturing or moving and I simply tossed the plants have limited my gardening trials. &nbsp;Furthermore, even if the plant did produce a fruit, once they bear fruit the plant is plowed under and replacement plant begins anew. Not that serious a gardener. <br /><br />What I can boast about is the orchid plant that decided to bloom in January - <i>how 'bout that?</i><br /><br />On a cold day what better surprise than to find a bud bursting open with a blossom that defines beauty by simply existing. Do not get me waxing poetic about the loveliness of orchids.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Va1rKiXOv5s/UsmbyvH4azI/AAAAAAAABaU/KtVWy6aFg44/s1600/ORCHIDS+in+JANUARY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Va1rKiXOv5s/UsmbyvH4azI/AAAAAAAABaU/KtVWy6aFg44/s200/ORCHIDS+in+JANUARY.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A work in progress begins. . . . . a collection of scraps and plaids becomes a bright modern patchwork quilt.<br /><br />However life is not all flowers and candy. . . . the sewing progress has had more stops than starts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SE4qITMejGQ/UsmeTyPHTRI/AAAAAAAABbI/ruq57m4ETP4/s1600/ANDROM+patchwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SE4qITMejGQ/UsmeTyPHTRI/AAAAAAAABbI/ruq57m4ETP4/s320/ANDROM+patchwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NF_dGbj0eII/Usmb5Np1IzI/AAAAAAAABac/jD-KA-HHC70/s1600/RIPredthread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NF_dGbj0eII/Usmb5Np1IzI/AAAAAAAABac/jD-KA-HHC70/s320/RIPredthread.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />First off the <i>'Red Thread Mess</i>' on the right is my own fault. &nbsp;The one thing experienced quilters NEVER do is rip out stitching, never ever! Here's my day's work of ripping out red thread. &nbsp;Why?<br /><br />Some years back at a quilt lecture I heard an expert judge say that you never quilt a White quilt in White thread because if you want to photograph it or submit it for a juried show, the thread will never show - so always use a colored thread for the quilting. <br /><br />Not so. &nbsp;The Red Thread Mess is proof enough.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vgZT_alrKwc/Usmb7Oj5bEI/AAAAAAAABak/p3m41DlHq5k/s1600/TOPbabyquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vgZT_alrKwc/Usmb7Oj5bEI/AAAAAAAABak/p3m41DlHq5k/s320/TOPbabyquilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Planning a crib quilt for an upcoming birth I chose bright scraps and plaids as the mother has not revealed the gender nor any planned names,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, to make an unisex quilt I planned to use a lot of white, especially after I found a small vintage table cloth about the size I planned and in quite good condition. Thus became the notion of bright blocks for the top and an all white backing. Why not stitching in colored thread?&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Getting into the free-motion quilting mode has been quite a job following Leah Day's tips and techniques but after the yoga mat and a table runner I thought I was ready. &nbsp;Maybe I needed more practice (?).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O6O9pdAfjk/Usmb9CEKdaI/AAAAAAAABas/t-0uzZ1QZz0/s1600/Backside.white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O6O9pdAfjk/Usmb9CEKdaI/AAAAAAAABas/t-0uzZ1QZz0/s320/Backside.white.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a couple of blocks I thought to sneak a peek at the back and found the worst sight imaginable.<br /><br />What a mess! &nbsp;How to fix it? &nbsp;There is no fix, it's either rip or toss. After a stiff drink and dinner I thought best to switch to white thread in the bobbin and keep stitching to see if the white thread looked as bad as the red. <br /><br />The quilt is still undone, more than half has been stitched in white and looks terrific; the initial blocks are in the process of getting ripped out (UGH!). Expect to have the stitching done by end of week - must get going as I still have to trim, hem and finish the work. Baby is due February 14th so the quilting shows cascading hearts, what else? <br />Stay tuned, &nbsp;progress in motion.<br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-36301893237127612512014-01-03T11:44:00.003-08:002014-01-05T10:25:58.815-08:00WHAT I DID DURING THE HOLIDAYSJanuary cometh and all those things you have been meaning to sort and/or toss are still there. This is the reason January was invented, to gain control again.This is the time to re-sort, re-pack and put things away for another year OR to begin the new projects for this year. &nbsp;So, what have I been up to since November?<br /><br />Due to my envy of friend Suze who made a fantastic yoga mat cover (the envy of all the yogini), I started the patchwork over a year ago. Six months later I had the top cover made but needed to quilt it and find a back-fabric. Then I got distracted in middle of summer and it was rolled up on the floor of my studio for months.<br /><br />As of the end of December, the mat is quilted, edged with cording and complete with an overlapping back that allows the mat to slide in. What a relief, ONLY as it was finished and rolled out to try a 'downward-looking dog' or maybe 'warrior one,' then I noticed the purple-band along the left side was trimmed crooked, diminishing from the middle to the far end. Oops!!<br /><br />Sewn and finished it is and the error will stay for the life of this mat. No way will I begin ripping out a week's worth of work. Look it over Suze - it's pretty fancy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5HNlSQHHCs/UsbzaVxJt4I/AAAAAAAABZc/xRHtTeYNPuA/s1600/YOGAmat+Quilted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5HNlSQHHCs/UsbzaVxJt4I/AAAAAAAABZc/xRHtTeYNPuA/s320/YOGAmat+Quilted.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sBy0wT_k_A/UsbzifA8-ZI/AAAAAAAABZ0/yGdZSVshGQQ/s1600/ONIONhot+mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sBy0wT_k_A/UsbzifA8-ZI/AAAAAAAABZ0/yGdZSVshGQQ/s320/ONIONhot+mess.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The free-motion quilting was learned from Leah Day's blog&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2137813455&amp;group=0&amp;frame_type=b&amp;blog=1270489&amp;link=aHR0cDovL2ZyZWVtb3Rpb25xdWlsdGluZy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20vMjAxNC8wMS9idWlsZGluZy1ibG9ja3MtcGllY2luZy10aXBzLmh0bWw&amp;frame=1&amp;click=0&amp;user=0">365 Days of Free Motion Quilting</a>. Do not think I could have done it without the encouragement of her tips and technique. But due to trying out free motion - I'm already up to other things. &nbsp;I think I'm getting the hang of it now.<br /><br />&nbsp;Not that I needed more work to do but somewhere in our meal schedule I realized that we had used all the pre-caramelized-frozen-onions that I store in the freezer for months of use. How can this be? There cannot be good cooking without the onions, right?<br /><br />12 pounds of onions, some shallots, leeks and garlic later, plus about 4-5 hours of slow roasting the job was almost done.<br /><br />The picture of the hot mess shows the baking trays of roasting onions (one of four). The thin, raw slices (out of the Cuisinart) are layered over silicone non-stick mats with some vegetable oil and cooking in a slow oven (about 320-340 degrees), turned ever 20 minutes until the golden brown color is 'scorched' all over, not burnt but caramelized.<br /><br />As they cooled I began make labels for the one-cup containers. The rate of cooked to raw is about 3:1 or 1 cup of caramelized onions equals about 3 - 4 medium sized onions. If I make omelets I use about one-fourth of a cup, if making soup I add about half a cup. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzCjvM7V3zk/Usbzfh0R8oI/AAAAAAAABZs/OKzol8QWlpw/s1600/ONIONs+Containers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzCjvM7V3zk/Usbzfh0R8oI/AAAAAAAABZs/OKzol8QWlpw/s320/ONIONs+Containers.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />I have threatened to make the French <i>Pissaladaire</i>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>&nbsp;</i>--a nice oblong tart withe olives and anchovies--</span>an onion and vegetable appetizer pizza. But so far that fact has not been accomplished. <br /><br />Was recently asked "why do you do that?"<br /><br />To save time; who wants to caramelize one or two onions ever time you cook? That takes far too long to get to the really soft, sweet onion taste.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeecOZndPN8/Usbzk3mx9vI/AAAAAAAABZ8/6zuUMledHPs/s1600/MERINGUES+Jan+Walnut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MeecOZndPN8/Usbzk3mx9vI/AAAAAAAABZ8/6zuUMledHPs/s320/MERINGUES+Jan+Walnut.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan's famous black walnut meringues.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />After the onions episode I have to thank my sister Jan. &nbsp;She just had a birthday and is feeling perky for the holidays. So excited that she made her world-famous (in NC that is), Black Walnut Meringues. Now you may ask what's so special about that? <br /><br />When you grow up on a farm in northwest Missouri with groves of black walnut trees all over the back acreage, and spend winter evenings pick the nut-meats out of rock-hard shells you will come to appreciate black walnuts. Mother always made Waldorf apple salad with black walnuts and until I went to college I did not know any other walnuts existed.<br /><br />Nuts ready, then you must learn egg-white technique for anyone who's ever made meringue topping knows that requires time and patience. Jan only does this once a year and this year I got more than a dozen. You'll see one is already missing - the photographer was overcome and could not resist. Bless you Jan.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7F3LohNnFCw/UsbzdOvaD8I/AAAAAAAABZk/nk8PU84M3qM/s1600/SOUFFLEperfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7F3LohNnFCw/UsbzdOvaD8I/AAAAAAAABZk/nk8PU84M3qM/s1600/SOUFFLEperfection.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffed and ready to serve.</td></tr></tbody></table>On to more egg-white technique; this time for New Year's Eve. Could not interest the Mister in going to a dinner/dance so we opted for a quiet evening at home, just the two of us. Once maybe twice a year I impress him with my special Grand Marnier Soufflé's, made with extra egg-whites and extra cognac.<br />Dinner was a Citrus Salad with pomegranate seed topping and poppy-seed dressing, followed by soufflé. I used so many whites the mix was bigger than needed so I made three; one each for dinner and the little one was served cold for dessert the next day.<br /><br />The week ends with our First Friday Ballroom practice and dinner. The year has begun, we are blessed and grateful to reside in a storm-free North Carolina home. Tomorrow morning - back in the pool to practice. &nbsp;Happy New Year all!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-62057146724091679042013-11-12T13:05:00.003-08:002013-11-12T13:07:46.756-08:00TUESDAY againThe pool was reasonably comfortable today. &nbsp;This in contrast to yesterday when I thought I would freeze; something about the pool heater that works slower than the cold front moving down from Canada. Twenty minutes was my limit - had to get to a hot shower.<br />Today was much better; yes it was cool getting in but once activity began I became accustomed to the water. &nbsp;I keep forgetting that the reason I avoided swimming for decades was that I really do not like being a) wet or b) cold. As the season gets cooler and cooler it stands to reason that I can expect the pool to be a colder experience but what's the idea of a "heated" pool if you are shivering?<br /><br />The challenge of learning to swim before the year is out may not happen. Try as I do to float, kick and stand up - I have some obstacles to over come. Can put my head in the water and float IF I'm holding on to the railing. Can float off with a kick-board if there is 'push' room to glide and stand up. &nbsp;At first I could push off but was afraid of stopping to land. Now I can land but the push off is scary. Well, not scary exactly - I can head to the wall or rail but pushing off to 'nowhere' floating free in the water is terrifying. Why? That I cannot tell you. I can push off from the teacher's one-hand lead but doing it alone is a whole other story. Sometimes I get confident and think I can do it, push off from the wall and stand up when I need to breathe. Losing balance and not getting my feet to the floor fast enough spells disaster; never seems to happen the way I planned. Due to schedule conflicts I did not have a Monday lesson this week and have a few more days to practice before next week's lesson. &nbsp;Can I do it? &nbsp;Stay tuned.<br /><br />Meantime I had a getaway to Wrightsville Beach, NC for the <b>2013 TMQG Quilt Retreat.</b> &nbsp;Missed last year and was anxious to do it again. Took way more projects than I could possibly finish is two+ days; less the shopping time in Wilmington. &nbsp;Besides the bright color &amp; white scheme I began to do some random string-piecing on the diagonal so I'll have some blocks to use in a donation quilt.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsTPJCw8088/UoKRsAzrhuI/AAAAAAAABYI/NmQcgszLE_A/s1600/131108_2749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsTPJCw8088/UoKRsAzrhuI/AAAAAAAABYI/NmQcgszLE_A/s200/131108_2749.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright hues for a baby's blanket.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Njkx5oFhfsE/UoKR3V0v8yI/AAAAAAAABYQ/38ubVV8z070/s1600/131109_2735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Njkx5oFhfsE/UoKR3V0v8yI/AAAAAAAABYQ/38ubVV8z070/s200/131109_2735.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamonds for a new project</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RCJSMmILSU/UoKR-EQJ0tI/AAAAAAAABYY/c38BtHXDwEs/s1600/131110_2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RCJSMmILSU/UoKR-EQJ0tI/AAAAAAAABYY/c38BtHXDwEs/s200/131110_2722.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diane's grey scheme</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4mDD8AP5xU/UoKSESdPyWI/AAAAAAAABYg/MxeQe2D7kfI/s1600/131110_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4mDD8AP5xU/UoKSESdPyWI/AAAAAAAABYg/MxeQe2D7kfI/s200/131110_2723.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diane at work.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On-X734D7Jo/UoKSNbSJC5I/AAAAAAAABYo/lJzigHrpPO4/s1600/131110_2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On-X734D7Jo/UoKSNbSJC5I/AAAAAAAABYo/lJzigHrpPO4/s200/131110_2715.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky busy with triangles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Who goes to a quilt retreat and forgets white thread? Moi!<br />So what to do, find local quilt shops of course. There happened to be TWO with a short driving distance and within a couple of hours the thread shopping had only cost me about $70. Must have lost focus???<br /><br />Just as I felt I was making progress catching up with soon to be due quilts, disaster was happening in the Philippines. My quilting partner Cissa who helped with a quilt for the Japanese Tsunami quilt has moved to Houston so I guess I'm on my own for this disaster. &nbsp;Perhaps I can convince <b>Spoonflower</b> to host a "Philippines Quilt Sew Date" to take scrappy blocks and make up some donation quilts. That is once I establish a reliable relief resource to distribute the quilts to survivors. &nbsp;The Nine-Patch made out of 4-patches that I took to Retreat and did not touch would make a good beginning.<br /><br />Grey seems to be the color of the moment - not only have I seen lots of grey-neutral print fabrics but my pregnant 2nd cousin wants a grey &amp; white color scheme for the baby's room. &nbsp;Who am I to argue? But my scheming involves lots of pure hues against white - that should fit into an otherwise neutral room. &nbsp;Quilter Diane found a herringbone pattern in a graduated grey that was striking. Makes me wonder about the backing fabric for the baby blanket - maybe grey so in case they don't like my scrappy blocks they can turn the quilt over and go with the grey. &nbsp;Maybe.<br /><br />The <b>Blockade Runner</b> offers great views of the harbor especially at sunset - unfortunately I got only about 20 minutes of sunset time one night and none the next. Did enjoy a delicious dinner at <b>22 North</b>, a mere .4 miles north of the hotel where 10 of us had dinner Saturday evening. Before I realized the time was flying by it was Sunday morning and time to check out of the room, gather up the sewing tools in the ballroom and reload the car for the trip home. Much as I love my life at home it does a soul good to step out once in a while and do something else.<br /><br />Reality again and tomorrow - pool practice at 7:30 a.m.<br />Another try to conquer the free-float. &nbsp;bb<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-39646577814548572852013-10-31T10:46:00.002-07:002013-10-31T10:46:46.132-07:00FALL INTO WINTERThis Sunday the time changes and we get an extra hour of sleep. I for one really need it.<br /><br />Somehow this has been an overkill week for me, beginning with Tuesday when I did my regular pool practice (later*), shopped both Lowe's hardware and Harris Teeter for groceries, before coming home.<br /><br />It was at Lowes when the trouble started. Needing a bag of pea pebbles to put in pots for drainage I spied the smallest bag I could find so I could lift onto the cart. The check-out clerk actually asked me if I needed help getting to the car but of course I said "No thanks, I can do it." &nbsp;From the cart into the trunk of the car was only about 20 inches but the lift was much heavier than I expected. It took about three tries and I think my periformis muscles over strained. Or some muscle was not happy. <br /><br />Continued home where I sat down after lunch to rest before the Zumba Gold class. &nbsp;I have had the teacher, Cathy's class before at Meadowmont Wellness but that was 'regular' Zumba - this is supposed to be for seniors. &nbsp;Senior what I don't know, Cathy was going as fast as usual and being the dancer of the class I tried to keep up. Actually I did not feel bad after the workout class, dressed for dinner and thought I would sleep well as I was getting very tired. &nbsp;Took a sleeping pill just in case.<br /><br />Wednesday at 3:00 a.m. I woke up with a frozen neck, shoulders, back, right arm and pain running up and down by body. Holy Toledo!! what have I done. Trying to resist a pain pill I made hot tea, heated my "Hot Packs" in the microwave and went back to bed to warm and relax the muscles (have to get up at 6 to get tot he pool by 7:30 a.m. Don't ask.<br /><br />About 6:30 I had my gym bag packed and was heading for the car with I realized I could not stand up straight - thinking the pool would be good for sore muscles I kept on going. &nbsp;Couldn't get in the pool; couldn't get in the car; was going nowhere. &nbsp;I could stand up and work or lie down but getting from vertical to horizontal, or vice versa was PAINFUL. My sister, Jan was coming for lunch at 11:30 - I chose to stand and fix chicken soup (what else?), and had the crock pot hot by 8 o'clock.<br /><br />Saved by chicken soup and spending most of the day with my rice filled "Hot Packs" I survived. That is until I got in the pool this morning, tried kicking and did a short practice. Once home I looked at the&nbsp;TO DO list and realized that this warm day may be the last for a long time and it is time to plant the BULBS!!<br /><br />So I just 55 bulbs in 16 pots of varying sizes, taped up the bags of reminder potting soil and swept off the deck. &nbsp;Why pots you ask? &nbsp;Some years ago Mother went to the Netherlands especially to see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floriade_(Netherlands)">Floriade_Netherlands</a>&nbsp;exhibition, the pride of Dutch horticulture and held only once ever ten years. &nbsp;Naturally at such a show tulips take a prominent place. Watching one of the gardeners moving pots of tulips around she asked why so many little pots. The gardener replied that by using pots they could be protected during the winter and moved to any desirable place when blooming. This is added is the result of "growing old too soon and too late smart." Save your back digging in the ground, protect them with a cover of straw for the winter hibernation and you will have tulips blooming come springtime.<br /><br />With that knowledge Mother returned home, found a corner behind the house and had half a bale of straw ready for cover. Every year she prepares more than a dozen pots with tulip bulbs, tucks them along the foundation of the house, insulates them with the straw cover and waits for spring. They get just enough moisture to live and are packed so water will not freeze in the pots and crack the terra cotta. What could be bad?<br /><br />NOW I am tired but my back is not nearly as painful as it was yesterday. And we have a 6:15 dinner reservation. What to do the rest of the day? As little as possible.<br /><br />Yes I have some sorting to do but that will be a lazy time task.<br />I may need a drink - something with rum.<br />BBFBBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-31910580220513282002013-08-30T17:14:00.000-07:002013-08-30T17:15:00.053-07:00TGIFabulous FridaySort of. . . a fabulous Friday. &nbsp;We did have ballroom dance today and we learned a new Rumba step. And I had a good swim practice this morning.<br /><br />That's the good news. &nbsp;My legs are aching and two Aleve are not doing their thing fast enough; my sister is responding to a F-I-L who is aging and ill. We gave away two tickets for a later Sunday theater day when we'll be away but otherwise our fall theater schedule is in play. Tomorrow I fix a fruit salad supper, Sunday is leftover salmon salad but MONDAY is a holiday. Yea! The abundant holiday buffet in the Club Dining Room will be filled with wonderful dishes.<br /><br />First we reserved a table for TEN for the noon buffet; meaning that I shop for flowers tomorrow and get the individual mug-vases ready for filling. The place cards and party favors are done and best of all: the battery operated tiny light to encircle the table are ready and WORKING! &nbsp;The guests for this buffet will be delighted.<br /><br />Afterwards the Studio is ours for the 4 o'clock Labor Day Dance with music provided by DJ Moi, BB. Began to revise the play list this afternoon adding some more Rumbas and Cha-Cha-Cha's. Next Friday when we have the regular lesson we choose a new dance for the month but because August had five Fridays the instructor taught five new steps. Everyone should be ready to Rumba for the holiday dance.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PQFUEqwvso/UiEuWjlmJ4I/AAAAAAAABWM/AfElZ_9xOM8/s1600/ORCHID+early+AUG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PQFUEqwvso/UiEuWjlmJ4I/AAAAAAAABWM/AfElZ_9xOM8/s200/ORCHID+early+AUG.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3CH_j0uSi8/UiEuWOQQNxI/AAAAAAAABWE/1pbk1iBTzWc/s1600/ORCHID+sticks+MARBLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3CH_j0uSi8/UiEuWOQQNxI/AAAAAAAABWE/1pbk1iBTzWc/s200/ORCHID+sticks+MARBLE.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srCM5wSjvk4/UiEuWfmlUII/AAAAAAAABWI/0b_KYspfQB8/s1600/ORCHIDbloom+aug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srCM5wSjvk4/UiEuWfmlUII/AAAAAAAABWI/0b_KYspfQB8/s200/ORCHIDbloom+aug.jpg" width="200" /></a>Remember the post about marble counter top cut-outs? I pictured the orchids atop a green marble round. &nbsp;Slow as orchids are (VERY slow) the stems had shown nubs for weeks (left), then a leaf formed, followed by a real bud taking it's own sweet time.<br /><br />There was this bug-sized bud that lasted for two weeks at least.<br /><br />Then one day, wonder of wonders. the bud began to open very slowly.<br /><br />Expecting that within a day or two a huge blossom would unfold, more time passed. Slowly. &nbsp;They take forever to decide but once they do - stand back.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08uBVPlyrWY/UiEw7s5DjmI/AAAAAAAABWg/PDsL7EmhIN4/s1600/ORCHIDS+BEGINopen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08uBVPlyrWY/UiEw7s5DjmI/AAAAAAAABWg/PDsL7EmhIN4/s200/ORCHIDS+BEGINopen.jpg" width="150" /></a><br /><br />The color is spectacular as is the reticulation, the netting pattern over the larger petals.<br /><br />Worth the wait - definitely.<br /><br />What else am I waiting for? <br /><br /><br />Needed a pair of swim goggles that did not hurt my head or leave circles around my eyes. Somehow I have managed to bruise my eye sockets, dark circles under the eyes prompted me to buy a new jar of eye creme, but the effect has been minimal. If the goggles are too loose I get water leaks and if there are too tight they hurt my eyes. Online I found a pair of Aqua-Sphere wide goggles that cover more of the face and mount above the eyebrows. They also leave impressions but at least the eye sockets are saved from circles and soreness.<br /><br />What an older woman does not need is dark circles just because she wants to learn to swim. Somehow this should not make an already difficult process even worse. Is anybody out there designing wider, bigger goggles that don't leak? &nbsp;BTW, am not convinced that the eye creme is doing anything other than keeping my face slick. Once a woman passes 50, very little to save the sagging skin is possible.<br />There is the option of a face lift but who's going to believe that I am 49 again? Ha!<br /><br />Meantime I finished the covers for two journals intended for gifts. Stay tuned, more about that later. b<br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-88397417862608247822013-08-18T17:27:00.005-07:002013-08-18T17:27:46.819-07:00SUNDAY SUPPERWhat better way to spend a Sunday than lazing about doing nothing special? &nbsp;Don't ask me, my whole weekend had about 30 minutes to laze about.<br /><br />Shopping for root veggies yesterday got us to tonight's dinner: steamed root vegetables with sauerkraut and sausage. &nbsp;To begin with the Mister went to&nbsp;<a href="http://guglhupf.com/">Guglhupf Bakery &amp; Patisserie</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;this week - &nbsp;this can only mean one thing: pastries and sausage. Supposedly leaner and richer than most commercial sausage the G's is the best. &nbsp;OK by me, I'm having a vegan dinner - just lots of root vegetables with broccoli, Brussels sprouts and maybe a corn muffin.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZXAfObI6q0/UhE91swlO9I/AAAAAAAABVY/iugE_fyphm4/s1600/130818_2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZXAfObI6q0/UhE91swlO9I/AAAAAAAABVY/iugE_fyphm4/s200/130818_2569.JPG" width="149" /></a>The pot boils and steams and the greens are not even in yet; Edamane beans and kale are going in too.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss7DBFQnmoA/UhE9yrQA-FI/AAAAAAAABVQ/fqF-eVEhS-M/s1600/130818_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss7DBFQnmoA/UhE9yrQA-FI/AAAAAAAABVQ/fqF-eVEhS-M/s200/130818_2568.JPG" width="200" /></a>Next will be sausage links and of the sauerkraut. We've had dinner in the Club dining room three times a week for the whole month because on Tuesday and Thursdays when I have a late swim lesson, by the time I get back home and crash it is way too late to eat. Besides I've been getting into too many Pepsi's lately (my only vice).<br /><br />Tried to do swim practice this morning but was frustrated by the parents of little kids who are just getting used to the water; the kids not the parents. &nbsp;Small children do not bother me so much as older boys who want to jump in and splash but today's problem was not the kids. It was the parents or more specifically a mother. Needing the lane nearest the ramp and wall I stick to the shallow end of the pool and practice with a flotation device. My efforts to let go of the device have been thwarted by people who are not paying attention. Today's mother would hold the boy and float him off to Dad but then stand in MY lane doing nothing. Hello! Get out of the way.<br /><br />Try as I might to let go, launching, free float, then kicking up to shallow end I cannot very well get where I need to be if this lady is standing in my lane. I was very nice today; I did not scream and shout but the next time she's in the way; all bets are off.<br /><br />What has me drooling and really amazed is a new product that apparently I am the last to know about. The TMQG quilt ladies have mention the <b>Accu Quilt</b> for dye cutting basic shapes; i.e., circles, hearts, moons, etc.,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.accuquilt.com/">Accu Quilt.com</a>. Priced it out at Joann's but it seemed pricey and it is totally manual - you have to wind the fabric through (like a pasta maker) and the cut fabric emerges on the other side. I can free-cut my own shapes faster than that (?).<br /><br />BUT - have you seen <b>'Silhouette</b>' (not the window blind), the "ELECTRONIC" dye cutter? See: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/select-a-silhouette">Silhouette America</a>&nbsp;, and it is available in two sizes (16" or 20" wide).<br /><br /><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><br />An idea whose time has come and nobody told me until the item got mentioned in <u><b>Designer Digital</b></u> bi-weekly tips (fess up), see:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/blog/how-to-load-cutting-files-into-the-silhouette-studio-video/">Designer Digitals</a>. At first I did not know what they were talking about; &nbsp;how to design and upload cutting files? &nbsp;'Silhouette files'??? THEN I realized it was an electronic cutter whose cutting-tip was driven just like the print-head on your ink-jet printer. Dye cut shapes at home on a consumer product designed for the scrap booking, quilting and designing crafters. Whoa! This is major!<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">Silhouette electronic cutting machines can cut a wide variety of materials including paper, vinyl, cardstock, fabric, heat transfer material, and so much more. With the included <b>Silhouette Studio</b>® software, you're able to create and cut your own designs and use the fonts already installed on your computer.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br />Is this the coolest idea ever? &nbsp;I want one!! Not just yet, first I have to find reason to spend $400 and that's just the beginning BUT I can use Photoshop to device shapes and patterns and upload them to Silhouette. Of course if you wish you can buy the outlines for pumpkins, turkeys, snowflakes and other childish images but WHY? You can do it in Photoshop; and you can do custom outlines (from photos?), and create you own custom printed fabric, then cut out custom shapes. I am drooling still. &nbsp;And I just got the short-arm quilting frame set up and need a lot more practice before I can claim to be a machine quilter. So many tools, so little time - how will I get it all done? And learn to swim?<br /><br />Life can be so difficult. . . . bb<br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-25857113773156793422013-08-17T10:45:00.003-07:002013-08-17T10:45:21.609-07:00FABULOUS FRIDAYIt must be fabulous - I'm so tired I cannot think otherwise.<br /><br />Early this morning headed right to Durham to pick up edged-finished <b><i>UbaTuba</i></b> granite pieces left over from my last house and saved when we moved so I have a piece of that house with me always. Do I sound crazy? &nbsp;Not so. &nbsp;See:&nbsp;<a href="http://nccustomstone.com/">NC Custom Stone &amp; Marble</a><br /><br />Years ago Mother was tossing the chest of drawers that had been the baby's chest, the boy's chest, my chest and finally her notion-saving chest that was falling apart. BUT the oak top, warn as it was, still solid oak. Thinking how much this chest had been through and with the whole family; what to do? &nbsp;My sister and I each have a round (about 15" dia.), oak cutting board. Mine is often used for cheese and crackers (or was before I gave up dairy foods). Still is a functional cutting board for anything. Great memory and very useful piece of wood.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCB45PhR3jE/Ug-w8M0IhDI/AAAAAAAABUs/_kuX_4qy6NY/s1600/MARBLE+green+round.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCB45PhR3jE/Ug-w8M0IhDI/AAAAAAAABUs/_kuX_4qy6NY/s200/MARBLE+green+round.jpg" width="148" /></a>When the aforementioned house was built I saved the light green marble cut-out from the master bath vanity and had a circle finished which has been used as tray, table top and currently displays orchids on the porch.<br /><br /><br />But I did not get around to the cut-outs from the kitchen sinks (2), until we sold the house. Today I picked up one 16" round diameter and one 30" oval, both 3/4" counter top-depth, edged, polished and looking great in the house. UbaTuba is a dark greenish-black with shards of mica that glisten a golden sparkle, I love the color.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlJm8wEsQf0/Ug-xKZTMJxI/AAAAAAAABU0/QEtGNWDvIe4/s1600/GRANITE+2+OVAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlJm8wEsQf0/Ug-xKZTMJxI/AAAAAAAABU0/QEtGNWDvIe4/s200/GRANITE+2+OVAL.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><br />The oval may stay on the island counter to hold flower vases or hot tea pots; the round serves as a small, chair side table-top on the porch. DH has not yet seen the bill so I'm safe for a little bit longer.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_StAx48FHug/Ug-xM-ZV02I/AAAAAAAABU8/aBlXZ7XLFQs/s1600/GRANITE+1+ROUND.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_StAx48FHug/Ug-xM-ZV02I/AAAAAAAABU8/aBlXZ7XLFQs/s200/GRANITE+1+ROUND.jpg" width="147" /></a><br /><br />And that was just the beginning of the day. Next I headed to Durham's&nbsp;"Scrap Exchange," at the 'new' location (I had not been there before). See:<a href="http://www.scrapexchange.org/">The Scrap Exchange</a>. &nbsp;Not too far from the granite shop, on the east side of Durham it is located in a former belt factory and not easy to find. Thanks be to the traffic gods of Google Maps, I found the way.<br /><br />My shopping consisted of three small fabric scraps and one rubber stamp with a leaf impression. I could have spent hours and think this is just the place to bring the crafters from Open Studio - but later this fall.&nbsp;Did not spend too much time because I intend to go back in a few weeks - got much to do with swimming and getting ready for a September trip.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">But still to be purchased was new swim goggles as the current ones are leaking water into my eyes - not good. Dick's in New Hope Commons plaza was the place to go BUT &nbsp;- - did someone say school was starting? ONe of the joys of living in a university town is "Move In Weekend." &nbsp;Dick's was not crowded but the traffic in and out was bumper to bumper because students were all heading to Walmart on the other side of the plaza to buy dorm supplies. Get me out of there soon! &nbsp;This means we do not shop on north 15-501 highway until after Labor Day when the school terms are underway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, home again with Ballroom Basics at 4 o'clock. This week six couples practiced Rumba steps with instructor Bruce.&nbsp;Dinner with DH at 6:15 and home to bed. Is it the week over yet? &nbsp;Did I survive?&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had strawberries in the fridge that I wanted to stem, slice and soak in a balsamic-honey mixture to have with angel food cake. Got the strawberries prepped; too tired for the cake. Tomorrow.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">bbf</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-856841928196648512013-08-14T19:55:00.003-07:002013-08-14T19:58:23.516-07:00PROGRESS IS NOT LINEARThe title has often been said to me whenever frustration sets in. Today was major panic.<br /><br />Tuesday's swim lesson went - well swimmingly. &nbsp;I was doing a free launch to a float, better than I ever thought I could. Launching would be conquered; all that was left was landing, and of course breathing. <br /><br />The last aquacise class ends at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesdays and I was there, ready to repeat yesterdays bold move. &nbsp;First one did not work, second one I began to sink and panic. After that it was pretty much all recovery. After 20 minutes of re-starts I reached for the wide, bar-bell flotation and went back to the assisted floating I've been doing for nearly a month. Baby steps.<br />Three more lessons for August and I've got to get free of the flotation device. Soon.<br /><br />Did you hear this morning's headline about a Detroit Police Department staffer who invertently revealed the bra sizes of all the female law enforcement officers listed to receive bullet-proof vests? &nbsp;I nearly fell off the sofa laughing; not at the 'privacy goof' but at the fact last night's TV series "Double Divas" were constructing bullet-proof corsets (?) made of Kevlar. Apparently Kevlar fabric is the topic of the month.<br /><br />From the web I found: brand names for the wonder fabric are&nbsp;<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Nomex, Kevlar and Carbon Fiber.</b></span>&nbsp;Further searching revealed the following:&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="post" style="line-height: 1.4em; overflow: auto; width: 2091px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Kevlar</b> is a woven composite very similar to fiberglas in construction. It is very strong and flexible and it's&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">main claim to fame is it's ability to absorb impact and not tear or puncture. It can be combined with a&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">polymer resin and make a very strong product that doesn't rupture. It probably won't be overly difficult to&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">sew. You'll probably need a jeans needle. It will also be abrasive and you might need special thread.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Nomex</b> is a synthetic fabric that is treated so it won't support combustion, usually it's white or cream colored&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and more available than kevlar. Mostly it's used in applications where there might be an open flame, mainly&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">it's used by fire fighters, race car drivers, those type of applications. <b>Carbon fiber</b> is a woven composite but&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">that is the only similarity it has with the other two. It actually fiberglas that has been combusted in an&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">atmosphere with no oxygen and then the strands of what's left (carbon) are woven into a material much like&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">fiberglas but much stronger and lighter. It is more brittle than either kevlar or fiberglas. It maintains it's&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">structural rigidity when combined with a polymer plastic, and is used for any number of things. You see it&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">mainly in high performance vehicles, cars, airplanes, and other things like that.</span></div><table border="0" style="empty-cells: show; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="smalltext" colspan="2" width="100%"></td></tr><tr><td class="smalltext" id="modified_3493796" valign="bottom"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">«&nbsp;<i>Last Edit: May 15, 2009 01:09:02 PM by Cookn</i>&nbsp;»</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;">Read more:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=305100.0#ixzz2c072GROT" style="color: #003399; text-decoration: none;">http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=305100.0#ixzz2c072GROT</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;">And Wikipedia will give you the scientific details:&nbsp;</span>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevlar<br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;">Plus, get this, Kevlar is also used in Nike shoes, firefighter's coverings AND drum heads. Apparently it really is a wonder fabric, layers of it giving protection against bullet&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">assaults. Not that I anticipate needing that kind of protection.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cynthia and Molly had other ideas. The recent episode of <b><span style="color: #073763;">"Double Divas"</span></b> found them making a holster-bra for a female bounty hunter; a corset-bra combo for a barrel-racing cowgirl AND a Kevlar corset for the needs of "law enforcement females" facing assaults. They actually took the corset out to the woods and shot it to prove it was really was bullet proof. It was.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Check it out at:&nbsp;</span>http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/double-divas<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Why am I so fascinated at bullet-proof anything? &nbsp;First item: the only reason my ex-husband is still living is that I didn't have a gun. Secondly, there have been times when skeet-shooting or going to a shooting range has been suggested. So far I have avoided guns at every turn - even living in NYC I felt carrying pistol would have caused more trouble than it might have prevented. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Growing up in the midwest I realize most homes have guns and it's their right to do so; just not in my house. Too many tempers flaring - too risky. When the Canadians decide to cross the border, kick ass and take no prisoners, I'll be a goner because I am not defending my home with bullets.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Let them eat carbon fiber.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">bbf</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><br /></span>BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-58205162502489243452013-08-12T14:03:00.001-07:002013-08-12T14:03:36.326-07:00MONDAY MOTIONGo-go-go; who said retirement was for retiring? &nbsp;Early this a.m. I headed to Hillsborough to see an orthopedist only to discover he had moved the office to Durham to the center of the Orthopedic Clinic (?). &nbsp;Why did I drive 25 miles out of my way only to return to Durham? &nbsp;No one told me.<span id="goog_733844005"></span><br /><br />What the doc did say was that swimming was a good idea and that oral steroids might just help with joint pain. At this point the side of effects of swimming are 1:1. The good news is I've lost weight; the bad news is my joints ache. All is all, just about average for my life!<br /><br />Left the office for the Wellness center to practice today's swim moves, then headed to the pharmacy to collect the Rx and begin the 5-day oral therapy for joint bursitis. &nbsp;Wonder if I should have asked for something for exhaustion? &nbsp;Cannot do caffeine because if I get the jitters it is distracting from swimming. It's scary enough without the jitters.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhb8I6Am-jE/UglE2leUTTI/AAAAAAAABT8/jBnX0yjwljk/s1600/ORCHID+Bud+to+Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhb8I6Am-jE/UglE2leUTTI/AAAAAAAABT8/jBnX0yjwljk/s200/ORCHID+Bud+to+Be.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>The sticky image to the right is the one leaf and one bud on the porch orchid. This was orchid #1 bought last year to brighten the house. Twice it has bloomed since but now I have 2 orchids parked on the screened-porch to gather the high humidity and heat we've endured this summer. Apparently they love it and seem to be thriving. This one is developing a huge singular bud, the other orchid (a gift) is just resting for the moment. &nbsp;Neither seem in a hurry to do anything major.<br /><br />A blooming orchid in the house brings with it a sense of abundance, how many woman have an orchid to enjoy? &nbsp;I feel so blessed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUUzZS4ObYw/UglHb6i-EDI/AAAAAAAABUM/gtigH6UVNYI/s1600/Bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUUzZS4ObYw/UglHb6i-EDI/AAAAAAAABUM/gtigH6UVNYI/s200/Bouquet.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>Neighbor Mrs. S is on the mend after gall bladder surgery. Friday I brought home flowers to create a small bouquet for her. &nbsp;My job was flowers as neighbor MJ makes the recovery-chicken soup, Mr. R walks the dog and Mrs. J does the good cheer. &nbsp;Once the neighbors know one of us is ill we reconnoiter the duty roister to send help.<br /><br /><br />This image is of Mrs S's twin bouquet which stayed in my kitchen; the note beside it a Thank You card from step daughter Jane thanking me for the quilted shirt-backed pillows send last month. &nbsp;Jane is also in recovery from both a broken wrist and moving into a new house. Not the ideal situation.<br /><br /><br />Back to sewing before this post becomes a health report. &nbsp;Am trying to get back to the Flynn Frame trial BUT got waylaid over the weeks dealing with ill-fitting bras and hemming slacks. Still have one project in the basket that has yet to get a green light and will need most of tomorrow morning to deal with the clean up and put away. Not my most productive weekend.<br /><br />The mister and I are having the face-cloth face-off. &nbsp;Our difference is based on the fact that he buys expensive, thick and tightly woven facecloths and after showering hangs them to dry. Then complains they sour and smell stinky. <br /><br />I on the other hand buy lighter-weight face cloths, use them once and send them to the washing machine. Years ago I gave up using terry cloth in the shower in favor of using a net-scrunchy-shower mesh which makes lots of foam and dries quickly. &nbsp;He refuses to use liquid-foaming soap resorting to bar soaps (?), saturating the face cloth and leaving a tallow residue all over his shower. &nbsp;Will he listen to me? Of course not. &nbsp;He just ordered MORE of the $$ pricey thick terry cloths and is intent on using one a day. What do I care, it's his stinky soap and sour cloth. My facecloths get microwaved for 30 seconds to give me a morning-wake-up-facial. <i>&nbsp;Whose got the better deal?&nbsp;</i><br /><br />End of day at hand, and another week begins. . . .stay tuned.<br />bb<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-15637244534155640222013-08-09T09:10:00.001-07:002013-08-09T09:11:08.898-07:00What Friends Tell YouFor months I have been receiving Bloglovin,' on recommendation of artist friend, Carol who knew my interest and experience with color. Every few days an E-mail with photos and color schemes arrives in my mailbox, I note some of the color combinations and delete the message. Little did I know, or investigate that Bloglovin' was a way to follow blogs with similar interests. Thanks to my friend Cissa who today asked me to "claim&nbsp;Bloglovin' " so she could follow my blog more easily. <i>Follow my blog? </i>Why not just type in the name and search? <br /><br />Of course how many blogs have I lost track of because I forgot the name, or the blog moved and I forgot where or somethings just fly out of my orbit. Cissa just moved to another state and is trying to keep track of what's what and who's who in a whole new world. Asking me to link into the Bloglovin' lineup of blogs was like a hit on the head. What had I been thinking? While I admired Jessica, Bloglovin's creator, I had often wondered why such a site devoted to creating color schemes had become so popular(?). NOW I get it - the site is a place for blogs of many interests in fashion, art, design, fabrics etc., to post and gain followers. <i>Who knew? Not me.&nbsp;</i><br /><br />So I claimed my blog on Bloglovin.' &nbsp;Not that I expect many bloggers to get excited about my life BUT now that I understand the visual design focus, I will try to do better.<br /><br />BETTER today meaning "Bra Making." You heard me, bra making. Being a 'full-figured' woman whose had it with new bras that fit for 2 wearings before the Lycra and elastic are shot - I am investigating the art of designing and making bras that fit and stay put. As whether to use old bras, new bras or drafting my own pattern has not yet been determined but if the ladies on TV's "Double Divas" can do it with their sewing machine my Bernina should be able to do the same. <br /><br />This mission brought on by shopping at one of my favorite local thrift shops where quite unexpectedly I found two 'new' bras in my cup size. one my size, one a size larger. &nbsp;The bras were unworn, in white and nude, just right EXCEPT those back closures with 3 hooks will never last. WHO thinks that a woman who wears a 36DD bra will hold it in place with 3 hooks? get real! I need at least 5 and some weighty Lycra that will not stretch out after one wearing. Considering the fact they cost $1.00 each, why not use the cups and remake the backs?<br /><br />Found some wide sports elastic in my notion stash but need to do a shopping trip to find hooks, straps etc. Just where the best place to shop for bra fittings I do not know but the Internet has given me some ideas. &nbsp;Here are just a few:<br /><br /><a href="http://clothhabit.com/2012/11/bramaking-sew-along-prep-pattern-choices/">Bramaking Sew-Along Prep: Pattern Choices | Cloth Habit</a><br /><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Patternmaking-tips-for-Bras/">Patternmaking tips for Bras</a><br /><a href="http://intimatelyyours.blogspot.com/">Intimately Yours Updates</a><br /><a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3729/the-bra-dilemma-solved/page/all">The Bra Dilemma Solved - Threads</a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4085 graphics" height="172" src="http://clothhabit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/danglez-DB4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Danglez DB4" width="200" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from" http://clothhabit.com/2012/11/bramaking-sew-along-prep-pattern-choices/ caption</td></tr></tbody></table>Do not expect to see Bonnie's Bra Making Reality Show on TLC anytime soon; for now I am interested in utility, workhorse bras that hold and stay put. IF and when I find that formula it will be noted here first.<br />Stay tuned. . . . b<br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-32609604020032605092013-08-08T02:16:00.001-07:002013-08-08T02:16:20.650-07:00SWIMMING IS HARD WORK!<br /><br />Whew! Why am I so tired? &nbsp;Does practice at power kicking, deep breathing, and repeated practice every day make you tired? It does me.<br /><br />Several reasons prompted me to decide to take swimming lessons in my old age. Obviously one was the safety factor, getting fit and strengthening back and legs another and the possibly losing weight and getting better toned always counts.<br /><br />Learning to float and breathe is one of the hardest things I've ever done; it is exhausting and terrorizing all at once. As for the condition of my back and legs, the back feels better but ham-strings ache and pinch. The only plus thus far is losing two and a half pounds last month. &nbsp;So - I'm back in the pool practicing over and over again. Recently I heard that "Confidence builds Competence." Getting an increased level of confidence while swimming with my face under water is still in question.<br /><br />The underwater floating part is actually fun but the launch and stopping is harder than expected and I still get frantic if something uncontrolled happens. For me the notion of feeling comfortable in the water is still a long way off. &nbsp;But I refuse to give up, some things in life must be learned - press on regardless.<br /><br />Missed using the time for Open Studio yesterday. The Art Room on campus is available Wednesdays from 1 - 5 but I was tired from morning swim practice. And colleague Carol was not available. &nbsp;Began to assemble the Flynn Multi-Frame System at home and found that the set-up requires considerable hand work. Still trying to get fabric for a test run attached and then I need to re-arrange the sewing table and machine to accommodate the width needed. <br /><br />Expect to make progress today clearing a space to work and getting the fabric rolled on rods to tighten tension keeping fabric smooth and straight. Only then can the process of free-motion stitching begin. Have reviewed the DVD instructions a couple of times and still need another run through. Am looking forward to trying it out, using the machine to do the decorative part of quilting. The next quilt show is over a year away but will that be enough time to negotiate this learning curve? &nbsp;Practice makes perfect, so I am looking at a lot of practice.<br /><br />Must share this if you are not aware:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Some smart techie has created a&nbsp;<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #101445;">quilt show website for travelers&nbsp;</span></b>&nbsp;for the country so travelers&nbsp;will find listings by month and city.&nbsp;The legend is a little hard to follow but click on the 'month' &nbsp;rather than the date and you will find all the info about the shows for that state. Note this website for future reference.&nbsp;<a href="http://quilterstravelcompanion.com/quilt-shows/north-carolina-quilt-shows.php">Quilters Travel Companion</a>.</span><br /><br />Remember the great barley soup that friend/neighbor Mrs. S made last weekend? &nbsp;Mrs. S is not well and having surgery later today. Must get busy and find some flowers for her. This was totally unexpected and I do hope making the barley soup was not the cause (?).<br /><br />Busy making a poster for print and E-use for Sue's upcoming Cardio Light class beginning in September. Slated for Saturday's right after lunch means I may be able to swim and do the class on the same day. If I live - - - &nbsp;stay tuned.BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-81005347352148126022013-08-04T19:34:00.001-07:002013-08-08T02:22:58.345-07:00BEEF BARLEY STEW <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A FINE EVENING WITH FRIENDS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our very fine neighbor, roof-mate and friends, the S's treated us to a delicious Beef Barley stew as can only be made by Dorothy S. <i>How did this happen? </i>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Months ago my DH was scheduled for knee replacement and stocking the house for his confinement meant planning for a lot of meals. Before the Christmas holidays the club dining room offered a holiday roast beef dinner for pick up on Christmas Eve that included all the sides and trimmings. A good deal if I had no time to shop or prepare - in fact the price was so reasonable why order just 2 meals? &nbsp;So we ordered 4 meals thinking we would freeze two and enjoy a good dinner a few weeks later when his recovery was underway. How convenient, it seemed like a good idea at the time.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple of weeks ago I find the frozen roast beef in the freezer and ask when are we going to eat this? Since we've both lost weight and eat red meat little if at all, DH said give it to someone else. &nbsp;Next door neighbors, the S's have a big German Shepard, ask Mrs. S. if she'd like some extra meat.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxZw5IVW1YE/Uf8FdCegqFI/AAAAAAAABTM/HcTIkTuIj8s/s1600/HOSTESS+Dorothy+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxZw5IVW1YE/Uf8FdCegqFI/AAAAAAAABTM/HcTIkTuIj8s/s200/HOSTESS+Dorothy+copy.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hostess &amp; Chef Dorothy</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-va0yzAqCblw/Uf8FPqv43yI/AAAAAAAABTE/1tokZ3x7Dw4/s1600/BeefBarleyStew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-va0yzAqCblw/Uf8FPqv43yI/AAAAAAAABTE/1tokZ3x7Dw4/s200/BeefBarleyStew.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barley soup simmering in the pot.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once Dorothy S. accepted the frozen beef she called to tell me I was crazy - "do you know how much beef is here, and top quality too. This is not dog food, no way is this going to the dog." &nbsp;She agreed to accept the meat ONLY if she could fix us dinner. &nbsp;Several phone calls, emails and recipes later Dorothy proposed beef barley soup/stew as only she could make.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OoCVBIEQMw/Uf8FkxXGFuI/AAAAAAAABTU/L6oy_kZaIfw/s1600/HOST+Jules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OoCVBIEQMw/Uf8FkxXGFuI/AAAAAAAABTU/L6oy_kZaIfw/s200/HOST+Jules.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Host, Bartender Jules</td></tr></tbody></table>Add Marilyn and Jerry J., the next door neighbor on the opposite side, tonight the S's hosted dinner for six of us. And what a splendid dinner it was. The barley base was rich with mushrooms, the beef was chunked into small bits and added at the last minute (already pre-cooked). Followed by a green salad, then coffee was served with pound cake and a bowl of fresh fruit. &nbsp;Dorothy outdid herself.<br /><br />Even Mr. S, resplendent in short pants and blue socks was a gracious host offering the drinks and appetizers. Of course Sam, the German Shepard was never far away - but quiet and watching us all.<br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Predictably the conversation eventually turned to "do you remember ____?" &nbsp;At a certain age the social dialogue begins a backwards turn rather then what's current. &nbsp;Yes, I remember "The Lone Ranger" and "Howdy Doody Show" but before that I rather not remember too much. Think about the fact that 18 year-olds who will be voting soon were born in 1992. <i>Doesn't seem that far back does it</i>?&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mrs. S. is also a Gourmet Dinner committee member for our street and the next event has just been announced for September 15th focusing on Italian cuisine. The heaviness of the food scares me a bit; can I taste a little bit and still make Waist Watcher goals? And what about the dairy; I've been avoiding milk and cheese since last winter. <i>Is there Italian food without cheese? &nbsp;</i>This will be a challenge.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Swam at the pool today for over 45 minutes focusing on controlling the leg kicking; trying to develop a power kick. Are my legs tired and aching! Tonight is a warm-sock and hot rice-paks for my throbbing legs. Tomorrow back to the pool and keep going. Instructor Maggie returns Tuesday and will be watching to see if I did practice regularly. Splish Splash!!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-40478637098860418332013-08-03T19:25:00.002-07:002013-08-08T02:19:24.712-07:00INSPIRATION RENEWEDSATURDAY SALON a big boost for my imagination.<br /><br />Good friend Nora invited me to be her guest at an "Art Fiber Salon" in Raleigh to explore 3-D forms using a stiff interfacing with fusible on both sides (Pellon brand but others are available). &nbsp;My problems with fusible has always been with small shapes leaving exposed adhesive web that always get stuck on my iron, making a sticky mess.<br /><br />Art Fiber artist <b>Roxane Lessa </b>has worked out all the problems. Cutting bigger shapes, ironing fabric to both sides and only then shaping, folding, pleating or curling; her forms are ever evolving.<br />See&nbsp;<a href="http://roxanelessa.com/GalleryMain.asp?GalleryID=133084&amp;AKey=KA2JMVA5">Roxane Lessa</a>'s website to see her creations. &nbsp;My creative force made but one small piece today but watching her method, edging and hole-punching techniques has inspired me to think of multiple ways to shape fabric. &nbsp;So many ideas I'm wide awake and cannot fall asleep - curses!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN6kqV0Qza4/Uf2xuOl6PTI/AAAAAAAABSw/6qKoLTBKmJw/s1600/EMILYcalendar+final++13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN6kqV0Qza4/Uf2xuOl6PTI/AAAAAAAABSw/6qKoLTBKmJw/s320/EMILYcalendar+final++13.jpg" width="213" /></a>All in all a terrific week for me.<br /><br />First off I received a 'Thank You' from grand-niece Emily B. who turned 10 years old in July and received a Calendar Quilt featuring a 2003 calendar tea towel. A scrappy style quilt with strips and borders it ended up a bit longer than intended but I kept going until it seemed right.<br /><br />Jan S. my favorite long-arm quilter did a top notch job of top-stitching. Many of the blocks and strips were samples made in workshops taken over the past decade; some orphans looking for a place to fit.<br /><br />The calendar idea to oppose her big sister's calendar quilt made a couple of years back that was hanging over Madison's bed. Since the two share a room Emily needed a quilt for her side. Unfortunately before her quilt was finished, their parents sold that house and are currently renting while a new home is being built. Somehow I think they will find a place to hang this quilt once the family takes occupancy.<br /><br />Having done that home-building phase I am thankful it is someone else's turn now.<br /><br /><br />IDEA # 2<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-JcDXoid6A/Uf2wiNh18OI/AAAAAAAABSg/BMtgDlJuFYs/s1600/PILLOW+5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-JcDXoid6A/Uf2wiNh18OI/AAAAAAAABSg/BMtgDlJuFYs/s320/PILLOW+5x7.jpg" width="247" /></a>Reading about recycling shirts and uses for men's shirts somewhere on the web I noticed that pillows could be made using the shirt button-closure for the back to eliminate the need for a zipper. &nbsp;Neat idea.<br /><br />So naturally with as many thrift-shop-men's shirts as I have stashed away, I pulled out a shirt and made a scrappy pillow. What I did wrong was to e-mail the photo to both sister Jan and SD Jane. <br /><br />Jan visited a couple of days later and noted that the pillow would look perfect on 'Her' new sofa in their mountain cabin.<br /><br />So pillow #1 left with Jan and headed to a new home in the western North Carolina.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-JcDXoid6A/Uf2wiNh18OI/AAAAAAAABSg/BMtgDlJuFYs/s1600/PILLOW+5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-JcDXoid6A/Uf2wiNh18OI/AAAAAAAABSg/BMtgDlJuFYs/s1600/PILLOW+5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">&nbsp;</a><br />Literally hours later Jane called to say she 'absolutely loved' the pillow and could she have it. What to do???<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVqXEBn9gPg/Uf2wFuEpHQI/AAAAAAAABSY/fFQbpSr7P3E/s1600/130710_2451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVqXEBn9gPg/Uf2wFuEpHQI/AAAAAAAABSY/fFQbpSr7P3E/s320/130710_2451.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />IDEA #3<br />Pulling more shirts out of the stash two more pillows emerged using mostly blue and whites to fit to her blue-white china pieces and a blue-white table runner made previously.<br /><br />The strip piecing and top stitching took some weeks but they got shipped out more than a week ago. &nbsp;I could hardly wait to hear if the pillows had been delivered to their Houston home.<br /><br />Now I can honestly say I have quilted items 'all across the country.' At least in North Carolina, Missouri and Texas. Maybe more, I keep losing track of what I've made.<br /><br /><a href="http://flynnquilt.danemcoweb.com/media/thumbnails/images/productimage-picture-flynn-multi-frame-5_tn_w280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" id="main_image" src="http://flynnquilt.danemcoweb.com/media/thumbnails/images/productimage-picture-flynn-multi-frame-5_tn_w280.jpg" width="280" /></a>What to do next? <br /><br />Besides a head full of ideas after today's Salon, I have at least three projects 'on the table' that need attention before the end of August. &nbsp;The next Salon is the first Saturday of September but I will be headed southbound with DH on that date.<br /><br />What happens next is more likely to be Monday's jewelry class or finding time to assemble the <b>Flynn Multi-Frame System </b>(delivered this week) to do machine-top-stitching using a consumer machine. It sounds a bit tricky but I'll figure it out eventually, getting started seems to be the hard part.<br /><br />Check it out at:&nbsp;<a href="http://flynnquilt.danemcoweb.com/shop/product/flynn-multi-frame/">Flynn Muilt-Frame Quilting System</a>. &nbsp;This may just be what I have needed for years, a way to actually finish a quilt quickly. Stay tuned.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-35335216632330369202013-07-22T11:00:00.005-07:002013-08-08T02:20:18.252-07:00<b>PROGRESS IS NEVER LINEAR. . . .&nbsp;</b><br /><div><br /></div><div>Seems I am doomed to push forward one day and back-slide the next. Tomorrow is Lesson 5 of my summer swim lessons, will I be ready? Maybe. Felt I did really well at last Thursday's lesson and Friday's practice went 'swimmingly.' Saturday &amp; Sunday did not. Losing momentum and balance I found myself plunging into panic Saturday; not once by twice. Kept trying and trying. Sunday was slightly better but today showed little change. Tomorrow's lesson awaits and I need to sleep well tonight. Less caffeine might help too. Have to get the suit dry; tomorrow I have Jewelry class at 1:30 and swim lesson at 6:15. By noon tomorrow I have to be ready &amp; willing.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Last Friday we had a 'free' ballroom hour scheduled for 4 p.m., but at 3:45 p.m. we learned that the AC had been on the fritz most of the day and would not be on anytime soon. This morning next-door neighbor tells me her yoga class was in the Auditorium because the AC in the Fitness Studio is still under repair (?), bummer. We are scheduled for Ballroom again on Friday but will the AC be fixed by then? &nbsp;Who knows?</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday I booked a Brunch/Lunch reservation in the Club Dining room because I had left DH alone for dinner 4 nights last week (two meetings back to back Sun/Mon and two evening lessons Tu/Thu). He was getting a little bummed out so I thought Brunch, which we never do, would improve his mood. And I was looking forward to a spurge on pancakes, waffles or something 'breakfast-y' for a change. This time the screw up was mine; we had practiced dance early for 45 minutes, then DH watched the essential Sunday morning news/political TV shows when I should have been dressing. At 11:30 he asks 'are you ready?" Ready? For what?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Buried in E-mail, online shopping and quilting matters I had totally forgotten about brunch. Fortunately the hair was done, put in my contacts, I changed clothes in four minutes and makeup became optional - not. Big sunglasses can hide a lot. We got to the dining room with 1 minute to spare. Why did we go? The whole buffer was underwhelming, the 'breakfast station' was Eggs Benedict which I am not going to eat (fat &amp; carbs), the melon salad was enjoyed with half a raspberry pastry. Could have had that at home anyway. Next time I think "brunch" it will have to be a posh hotel dining room with Mimosas first.&nbsp;<i>What good is brunch without champagne?&nbsp;</i></div><div><br /></div><div>The online shopping yesterday is my next new thing. Past the age and the strength needed to operate a long-arm quilt machine (very $$$), I opted to order a Flynn Multi-Frame Quilting System. See:&nbsp;<a href="http://flynnquilt.danemcoweb.com/"><b><span style="color: purple;">Flynn </span></b><span style="color: purple;"><b>Quilt Frame Company</b></span></a><span style="color: purple;"><b>.</b></span> &nbsp;The main advantage for me is it's only 48" wide so I can use it at home on on the Art Room studio; true it has none of the digitized-programed patterns and fancy footwork of the big machines but under $200 is not a bad feature either. Adding my own stitching patterns and tracery will be a creative-optional. The instructional video shows the mechanics of putting it together and the trial learning-curve needed.<i>&nbsp;Everything in my life is some degree of a new learning curve (?). &nbsp;</i>Shipping time will be a couple of weeks - then stand back. Blitz is at it again.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus I have an idea for Jewelry; using plastic water/soda bottles. Sounds crazy, right? Check it out.&nbsp;<span style="color: purple;"><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnqFWybu3xM&amp;feature=endscreen"><span style="color: purple;">Bangle Bracelets</span></a>.</b></span><b> &nbsp;</b>O.K, here we go again. &nbsp;Stay tuned.&nbsp;</div><div>bb</div><div><br /></div><div>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-26907202119772243702013-07-21T09:32:00.003-07:002013-08-08T02:25:13.183-07:00<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HELLO CENTRAL</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week in NC has been fraught with calls from a bogus vendor calling senior citizens who likely will not understand what the 'scam' really is. At this point the Attorney General of NC is on the case.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: #e8e8e2; color: #484544; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">These robocalls (pre-recorded, automatically dialed calls) use what is called an avatar recording, meaning the recording can understand some of what you say and respond with a stock answer. In the recording, “John” promises you a medical alert system and says it’s already been paid for. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: #e8e8e2; color: #484544; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">1-877-5-NO-SCAM, is supposed to take your number off the list.</span></span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For some reason the 'robocaller, i.e., John" has targeted us numerous times and while screaming&nbsp;obscenities&nbsp;makes me feel better it does nothing to avert the next call. How much of your life can you spend answering the phone?&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worse yet, I am wasting more time pretending that I know what I'm doing - spent 20 minutes this morning trying to download and print Avery labels for the containers of de-fatted Chicken Broth make yesterday and skimmed to a .001% fat this morning. Only when I was affixing the labels did I notice that 'Checken' was misspelled. <i>What was I thinking?</i></span></span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My new summer cooler; since I have not been drinking mixed drinks or wine for some years, a friend introduced me to the "Arnold Palmer" a 50/50 blend of iced tea and lemonade. As I do not keep lemonade on hand as a general rule, asked for it at the dining room last night and got a delightful treat. This is not the branded beverage but just the server's mix of unsweet-tea and a commercial lemonade with extra wedge of lemon. Not as sweet as the brand but very cool and tangy. <i>Why did I not think of this before?</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;">Not thinking before because my usual summer cooler involves DH's morning decaf leftover, mixed with Silk Soy Vanilla (easy on the calories!), and all or part of a package of <u>Maxwell House International Iced Latte</u> mix &nbsp;(60 calories for the iced-version as opposed to 90 for the flavored latte mix). &nbsp;But here's the best part, I put 1" of&nbsp;</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;">coffee into a 1-quart deli container (the type with a snap on lid). &nbsp;About .5 inch of soy milk, fill the carton with ice and add water to the top. &nbsp;For the lid I punched a hole (usual paper punch tool), that is just the right size for a plastic straw. Shake well and put in the fridge for about 30 minutes - or until I've finished dressing for&nbsp;the day. Frosty cold, just dilute enough, minimum&nbsp;caffeine and big enough to last me the rest of the morning. You're right; the stuff would be better full strength but I began to dilute the mix when warned 'not to drink all your calories.' &nbsp;Sage advice; since then I have tried to dilute most of my daily beverages.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;">Off to deliver a trio of salads to a neighbor couple - he's had 'airplane flu' after a long flight and she just broke a foot. Chicken salad, Egg Salad and Broccoli Salad should keep them noshing for a bit without having to shop. I know from my own experience last summer that trying to wheel around a big store with a 'boot' in one of those electric-go-carts is the pits.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;">After that DH is taking me to Sunday Brunch - a rare experience for us.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;">b</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: #e8e8e2; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: #e8e8e2; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-37338463588819111552013-07-18T07:06:00.004-07:002013-07-18T07:06:56.204-07:00AH HA! Relief at last. For over a year the headboard of our bed has constantly knocked against the wall. Annoying at the very least except to my DH who cannot hear or feel the bump, bump bump because after 9:01 p.m., he's out for the night.<br /><br />Not me. Asking him to fix the problem did not work so I finally gave up and called campus maintenance office to send over a fix-it guy. After a week I thought the request had been dumped but not so. Young Mark arrived this morning unexpectedly to 'review the situation.' What fun, I'm sure the &nbsp;office was wondering if this was due to wild raucous sex every night which is far from reality. Even turning over or re-arranging the pillows caused more bump, bumps.<br /><br />The resolution, first he tightened the bolts that connect the headboard to the bed frame that were installed incorrectly when we moved (too little and too few). This required getting another pair of bolts to fill in the frame connection. And a pair of 2x4s" cut to about 3" each were placed on the floor between the frame leg and the baseboard so that even as the headboard sways just a little it will not hit the wall. Devine! This means I can get to sleep without trying to ignore the bump, bumps in the night. Heaven at last!<br /><br />Just made a salmon salad with rice and peas (for me, DH does not like peas in his salad. Don't ask), and a broccoli salad for dinner tonight. In the summer heat getting the food-prep out of the way early in the day works best for me and I have a back-up salad to give away.<br /><br />The give-away thought in that I just heard about a neighbor friend who just broke a foot. As one who spent last summer in a 'boot' for a broken 5th L metatarsal ending up with a crooked spine I can relate to her current woes. Will deliver a quart of salmon salad later this afternoon so she can get off her feet a little more. Dinner for me will be early as I have to leave by 4:45 p.m. for the Wellness Center.<br /><br />Just before my afternoon 'Swimming Lesson' number 4. Yes, at my mature age I have decided this is the summer I WILL learn to swim. Or at least float, or maybe do a crawl stroke - so far I have just learned to lift my legs and kick; the current lesson is how to lower the legs and stop. Beginning and ending seem to be the hardest part so far. That and overcoming the fear factor of being in the water: terror, panic and sheer anxiety. And some people think learning to dance is hard (?).<br /><br />Our Friday 4 o'clock Dance Teacher will be away this week and next (he does cycling marathons), so I am filling in as DJ with music from strict tempo recordings. The response to the ballroom dance classes has been less than hoped for but once they hear the hour is 'free' without the instructor I'm sure a lot more people will come for the hour. By 5 pm the exercise is over and it is time to dress and enjoy a drink before dinner. Everybody likes that part.<br /><br />This week was tough, two quilt guilds meeting Sunday and Monday; lessons on Tuesday &amp; Thursday and house-prep tomorrow morning before the housekeeper arrives. Next week I can focus on swimming every day and keep kicking. Until I master swimming or drown, whichever comes first. . . .<br />bbf<br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-20955332274693893392013-07-14T10:36:00.000-07:002013-07-14T10:36:00.504-07:00<br />BACK TO BUSINESS<br /><br />Life at the CCRC continues to keep up busy and catching up with some thing. At the moment the switch from TWC to campus cable feed and WiFi is causing havoc. Isn't that always the way with new tech set ups?<br /><br />My purpose in writing today is two fold. Lately discovered tips I've found that make quilting life easier.<br /><br />The first was discovered this past week when trying to fuse adhesive web (major brand) to fabric for the purpose of making cut our applique shapes. Of course I got the adhesive guck+gunk on the tip of the iron. Bummer. But wait - I was using a Teflon-coated iron and unlike my old iron-Iron (sp?) could not scrub the plate with a steel wool pad. Double Bummer.<br /><br />Google to the Rescue. Found a comment advising to iron over a dryer sheet (another major brand). I have been string-piecing on dryer sheets for many years but here's a new one for me. Hot iron + a couple of dryer sheets (new, unused), and voila! A clean, smooth gliding iron like new. Who knew? Well, not me.<br /><br />Second, who's zipper-challenged. Every time I hear a guild quilter mention putting in a zipper the moans begin. Since I was a 4-Her back in the day; many sewing lessons later I mastered zipper installations but that seems to be a major stumbling block for younger sewers. Unless you cheat.<br /><br />How to make pillow covers and avoid the needed zipper? Check this out. Using a man's shirt (thrift shop find), for the back of the pillow keep the button/buttonhole pieces together and cut large enough to &nbsp; make a self-binding for the edges.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course for the pillow front you can go scrappy or any piecing style you desire. I did some scrappy strip-piecing and added a few 'Prairie Points" for interest. &nbsp;Prairie Points are simply 4" squares of fabric folded diagonally once and then again. The point is totally folded fabric and the raw edge is sewn into the seam.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gFuByFAXBVY/UeLc6WmfiDI/AAAAAAAABRI/AN_FCbct5f0/s1600/PILLOW+5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gFuByFAXBVY/UeLc6WmfiDI/AAAAAAAABRI/AN_FCbct5f0/s320/PILLOW+5x7.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The same technique can be used to edge around an entire quilt but beware. You will be cutting a lot of 4" fabric squares!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back to the major point; the pillow case can be opened easily with the button shirt strip and can just as easily be removed to launder. How big a pillow can be made depends on the size of the shirt, the one shown was a Large (with breast pocket removed), but I have used an XL size for an 18" x 18" square pillow as well. &nbsp;Maybe a 20 / 20 would work but bigger than that you would have to add piecing.&nbsp;</div><br />Off to the Triangle Guild meeting this afternoon. Guess what "Show &amp; Tell" will be? &nbsp;The pillow but I am also taking scissors and the outlined-fused back-fabric to cut out the leaf shapes. Stay tuned for the rest of that story.<br /><br /><br /><br />BBFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089480053040666098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5683641665334503668.post-51446070080348791302012-12-31T05:17:00.001-08:002012-12-31T05:17:57.970-08:00END OF YEAR REPORT<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -22.5pt; tab-stops: -13.5pt;">What Was 2012 All About?<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Moving one household to a smaller house was the major challenge for 2012; and I do mean major. Just before the mid-May move I had a bad case of inflamed bursitis in the left hip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Just after the move I broke a metatarsal bone and during it all Ed was limping about on a bad knee. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">We thought a couple of months getting reorganized would do it; ha! We did not even have closets until nearly the end of June and were still hiring a helper (Scott by name) in August as Ed could not lift and I was still wearing a ‘boot;’ we were a pitiful pair. Once the podiatrist said the boot could come off my foot &amp; ankle were still weak and aching weeks later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">October meant another birthday arrived; the calendar said number 7-0 but I felt much older after a season of chaos and upheaval. Ed insisted we take advantage of the Center’s dining room and host a catered event. ALL 40 new neighbors on Hawthorne Drive (all with new villas just like ours) were invited for champagne and hors d’ oeuvres on Sunday afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">After my grand 70<sup>th</sup> birthday we made plans for a quiet Thanksgiving going to the posh Le Sienna Hotel for a champagne buffet as our ‘Last Supper.’ Knowing that our holiday would be very lo-key this year we prepped the house for Ed’s confinement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">December 10<sup>th</sup> Ed had full knee-replacement surgery at UNC Hospital. That means the bone-to-bone contact was re-sculpted, a metal &amp; plastic fitting was inserted and fit between the leg and thigh. He stayed in the hospital for five days, with physical therapy beginning the day he came home. Within days he was standing with the aid of a walker and walking slowly but only to the bathroom and back to bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">The therapist, Laura, comes three times a week for at least an hour to see that his knee-bend [aka range-of-motion], increases. At this point his favorite challenge to me did a turn about: “No pain, No gain.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>He’s not really happy about the pain. I’m not really happy about being exhausted; doing all the housework, the shopping &amp;; cooking AND caring for an invalid full time. We both look forward to better days when our lives get back to normal. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">By December 21<sup>st</sup> we returned to UNC hospital for his first post-op review with the doctor. In the waiting room we found our dance teacher, Bruce Gillooly who was there for his two-year check-up after the same operation. The two commiserated on the pain and therapy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Meanwhile I found time to make ‘Mug Rugs’ for the neighbors who brought food and good cheer over the month. The colorful thank-you gifts were met with much delight: also got me focused on sewing again and thinking about what to make when I do have more time to myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">What did we do December 24-25? Very quiet Christmas. A pre-ordered take-out Christmas Dinner was delivered on Monday and we made dinner our whole holiday; at least Ed could walk to the table. And he was getting in and out of the shower by himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The day after Christmas the therapist switched him from walker to a cane and he has been picking up speed (poking into everything). He’s been so bored for so long he cannot wait to get out of bed but he still can not go far without giving the leg a rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">The biggest advance at this date is that Sunday, 12/30 he made it into my car (carefully as he must bend the knee to get into the car), and we headed out to our favorite Asian restaurant for dinner and two days of take-out. Once home again he was exhausted. Of great help to me is the handicap hangar for the car so I do not have to walk as far. Standing on my feet most of the month my recently broken left-foot has been aching more and needing some special attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Now we wait to see what will happen to our taxes and the inevitable inflation, watching Congress bicker to the very end. After the election there was some hope of improvement but the GOP seems determined to prevent that. What’s sad is watching the list of celebrities who have died this past year: Dick Clark, Andy Griffiths and Helen Gurley Brown: can they really be gone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But I’m still here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: -22.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: -13.5pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">We spent the first six months of the year working to sell the house, then packing and moving. The last six months have dealt almost entirely with health issues; feet, hips and knees – we took turns. 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